Main dealer service history - is it important?

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1,117
I think your remarks may have a place with some cars. Last year my Porsche Turbo had a major service (porsche term) with spark plugs and brake fluid change. This is an 8.5hrs book time service. The spark plugs on this car is a big job with dropping the bumper, the intercoolers and usually much of the exhaust. The spark plugs alone is a 2.5 hrs book time job. The brake fluid 1 hr. So it is easy even with a discounted labour rate for 'modern classics' at porsche main dealers to pay £1300 for this service.
 

Lozzer

Member
Messages
2,280
Not really for me, unless it's a newish model that warrants it, and to be fair on an older model my motto is if you want it done right, do it yourself. I've found things that a specialist hasn't picked up on, obvious things like drop links.

Just to add, after doing an oil change for the first time myself, using Selenia racing 10w60, I find the oil pressure a lot higher when hot, it's never done that after an oil change before , not pointing any fingers but this is where thoughts of doubt come in ,when you are basically trusting someone else to do what's right. It's little things like this I pick up on, like what have they been putting in there? Have they? Haven't they?
 
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mjheathcote

Centenary Club
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9,033
I think your remarks may have a place with some cars. Last year my Porsche Turbo had a major service (porsche term) with spark plugs and brake fluid change. This is an 8.5hrs book time service. The spark plugs on this car is a big job with dropping the bumper, the intercoolers and usually much of the exhaust. The spark plugs alone is a 2.5 hrs book time job. The brake fluid 1 hr. So it is easy even with a discounted labour rate for 'modern classics' at porsche main dealers to pay £1300 for this service.

I can understand that, but most Maserati's have straight forward engine positions with normal access.
10 years ago my then Lotus Elise had a scheduled cam belt change that cost me £1,200 at an independent, a couple of months ago my Mitsubishi Pinin had a cam belt change, with water pump, and two ancillary ribbed belts too for £300 inc. parts and VAT, again at an independent.
Okay access a little more tricky with the Lotus, but it was only a K series Rover engine!
For sure, you do have to pay for the nice workshop, eye candy and freshly ground coffee.
 

Devonboy

Member
Messages
1,289
Dicky Grace would have a better view than me but dealers I have spoken to reckon that it’s the service history that is important and that after 6 years old - specialist independent is fine as long as they do the full list of service items.
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,120
To be fair I have worked for both Maserati and Ford and I can tell you that the Mustang is a far less complex vehicle than the Coupes and GT.
Complex takes time and skills.
For the money the Mustang is Good but more crude than complex.
Each to their own.
 

Gooner

Member
Messages
443
I can take it to any Ford dealer , also includes breakdown cover, £597 inc vat

I assume that's made up of 2 x £149 and 1x £299

Hi,

I think that the Ford dealer subsidises the cost of the service plan from the sale price of the car.

Plus they are simpler engines as pointed out.
 

Wack61

Member
Messages
8,764
Hi,

I think that the Ford dealer subsidises the cost of the service plan from the sale price of the car.

Plus they are simpler engines as pointed out.

Could you explain how the Ford coyote engine is simpler than the Maserati when it comes to servicing , from what I can see they're both multi valve naturally aspirated fuel injected V8 engines that use spark plugs, oil and filters.

There is a saving buying 3 years servicing direct from Ford but it's not a great deal, the dealers are all independent franchisees so are unlikely to have their labour rate subsidised by Ford , it's about £150 saving overall.
 

Gooner

Member
Messages
443
Could you explain how the Ford coyote engine is simpler than the Maserati when it comes to servicing , from what I can see they're both multi valve naturally aspirated fuel injected V8 engines that use spark plugs, oil and filters.

To be fair, so is this one, but I wouldn’t expect a service to be cheap (despite the Ford connection).
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Nibby

Member
Messages
2,028
I'd love to see an 8 hour video of the service , there must be a lot of trips to the coffee machine and to chat the (always fit) receptionists up.
Especially as they do it on a regular basis, the labour rate should incorporate their expertise and cost of diagnostic equipment which hopefully would like to think shortens the job rather than a convenient full days work.
I'm afraid some of these high end dealers I find are smarmy especially with my brother's dealings with a certain one in Wiltshire.
 

Wack61

Member
Messages
8,764
I think what you're actually paying for is the increase in residual value a specialist or main dealer service history adds to a Maserati

They know they've got you over a barrel so charge accordingly